Week 5 NFL losers: Deshaun Watson continues to struggle, Bengals give one away

With most of the Week 5 NFL schedule in the books, it's time to take a look at some of Sunday's biggest losers.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The Browns signal-caller had a poor performance for the second consecutive week, but Watson was especially bad in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders, dropping Cleveland to 1-4 on the season. Watson finished 15-of-28 for only 125 yards (4.5 YPA) and looked even more lackluster than the numbers show. 

After the loss, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team wasn't making a change at QB. So, it appears the nightmare will continue for at least another week for Browns fans. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals held a 10-point lead with 8:54 remaining in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. But they blew the lead, thanks to mistakes and conservative play-calling by head coach Zach Taylor down the stretch in what finished as an 41-38 overtime loss. 

Cincinnati's final three possessions resulted in an interception, a three-and-out and a missed potential game-winning 53-yard field goal off a botched hold in overtime, which Taylor settled for after calling three straight run plays from the Baltimore 38-yard line.  The Bengals now fall to 1-4 as a once-promising season continues to slip away. 

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Brutal clock management by head coach Sean McDermott led to a tough 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, but the larger story should be the health of the team's quarterback and the NFL's protocol for head injuries. With 6:06 left in the fourth quarter, Allen appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf following a hit — but but still finished the game. 

Allen told reporters he rolled his ankle on the play and was evaluated for a head injury but felt good enough to return. The situation didn't seem handled as seriously as it should have been, though, especially considering what the league has already seen this season with Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa. 

Las Vegas Raiders QB Gardner Minshew

Minshew won the Raiders starting job in preseason, but he may have lost it in Week 5. The 28-year-old was horrendous in a 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos, throwing two interceptions, including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown by Patrick Surtain

Benched in the third quarter in favor of backup Aidan O'Connell, Minshew may get another start for the Raiders, but he's clearly on a short leash. 

New England Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk

Polk appeared to put the Patriots ahead via an incredible leaping touchdown grab with 1:08 remaining in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Despite seemingly toe-tapping two feet down in the end zone, though, an official review ruled that his heel had landed out of bounds. 

According to the NFL's official rulebook, the call was correct, noting that "[i]f any part of the foot hits out of bounds during the normal continuous motion of taking a step, then the foot is out of bounds." Nevertheless, that interpretation of the rule is largely outdated. Polk would probably agree. 

Seattle Seahawks defense

Even without star rookie wideout Malik Nabers, the New York Giants (3-2) dominated the Seahawks defense, out-gaining Seattle 420-333 in a 29-20 victory. QB Daniel Jones roasted the unit, finishing 23-of-34 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, while 2024 fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy ran for 129 yards (18 carries), averaging 7.2 YPA. 

After a 3-0 start, the Seahawks have dropped their second straight, falling to 3-2 and hardly looking like contenders in the process.